yes you can use the Thermidistat, you would get the added benefit of being able to set dehumidification which is why I like mine along with other benefits like aux heat lockout setting, and more...I own an old farm house. next to no insulation, single pane windows, drafty inefficient money sucking hog! I am able to leave cooling set at 77 deg. and dehumidification set at 50% and be very comfortable set at 75 deg. everyone complains its to cold, except me I like it Ice cold after a hot day of a/c repairs . I have the Carrier FV4DNF006 with a 38YDB048 2 speed Puron 4 ton.